Governor Hutchinson welcomed attendees with encouraging words to motivate them to fulfill their obligation towards improving educational attainment in Arkansas. In addition to Governing Board members, conference attendees included Presidents and Chancellors, as well as administrators from state and independent institutions.

Expounding on the state’s higher education priorities as they relate to governance and state goals for college completion and attainment, Dr. Brett Powell, Director of the Arkansas Department of Higher Education, said “The annual conference is a great opportunity for trustees of our Arkansas colleges and universities to focus on how current trends in higher education impact their governance role. This year’s sessions were particularly timely as the institutions and ADHE work together to improve postsecondary attainment rates to meet workforce needs.”

Echoing the conference theme, keynote speaker Dr. Sheila Stearns, Commissioner Emerita for the Montana University System spoke on fiduciary principles and habits of effective boards. She emphasized ethics in trusteeship, conflicts of interest, and elements of external influences. Stearns also led a panel discussion on “Consequential Boards,” with panelist consisting of trustees from two- and four-year institutions, focusing on how boards and leaders can add value in their institutions and ensure public trust in higher education.

While the benefits of the Annual Trustees Conference are abundant, the conference is held by ADHE to assist institutions in providing legislative mandated training for the trustees of public institutions of higher education.